Hartshorn

/ˈhɑːrtsˌhɔːrn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound made from the antlers of deer, historically used as smelling salts and medicine.

Etymology

Compound of 'hart' (male deer) and 'horn' (antlers); the term describes the literal source material. Used since medieval times, it was a standard pharmaceutical ingredient before modern chemistry offered synthetic alternatives.

Kelly Says

Hartshorn became the original 'smelling salts'—people carried bottles of the stuff to revive fainting ladies, and it actually worked because it releases ammonia vapor that triggers a sharp reaction in the sinuses and respiratory system.

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